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England beat Australia by 51 runs in the second Women's Ashes One-Day International at Hove to draw level in the series at four points apiece.

Once again, Charlotte Edwards led from the front, top scoring with 53 as England put up a score of 256 for six, which they were able to defend relatively comfortably.

Jess Cameron made 81 for Australia before they were bowled out in the 49th over for 205.

England chose to open with Edwards and Heather Knight and the pair set the tone with a partnership of 45 in seven overs.

Knight fell for 31 in 26 balls and after her early charge, Sarah Taylor (32), Lydia Greenway (46), Arran Brindle (42) and Natalie Sciver (20 not out) added useful runs to support Edwards.

She made 53 in 84 balls with five fours and although Sarah Coyte and Jess Jonassen grabbed a brace of wickets England had reached a score that was always going to challenge Australia.

Their task was added to when both openers Rachael Haynes and Meg Lanning fell without scoring to Katherine Brunt and Anya Shrubsole respectively.

Cameron, whose 81 came in 108 balls and included 10 fours, then helped Australia stay in the game with the aid of Jodie Fields (20) and Alex Blackwell (23) before a critical phase of the game saw England snaffle three wickets for 13 runs.

Blackwell was caught and bowled by Jenny Gunn, Ellyse Perry was run out by Greenway and Erin Osborne was caught and bowled without scoring by Holly Colvin.

Coyte made 16 but was run out soon after Cameron's vigil was ended by Brunt and although Jonassen hit an unbeaten 34 in as many balls at the end, England were not to be denied.

Another run out, this time from Brunt, saw off Megan Schutt and the game was won when Colvin had Holly Ferling caught by Gunn for three.

The Test match that opened the new-look series was drawn and Australia won the opening ODI at Lord's by 27 runs.